Melbourne Express: April 24, 2014

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9:24am on 24 Apr 2014

And we're done for another day here at Melbourne Express. We'll be taking a break over the long weekend and will see you back here on Monday with traffic, weather and breaking news that affects you on the morning commute. Please direct any feedback to Angus - aholland@theage.com.au - and we'll see you next week.

9:15am on 24 Apr 2014

Wells Road in Mordialloc is slowly re-opening, with a single northbound lane open and all southbound lanes open after it was completely closed due to the massive fire at the Bolwell factory earlier this morning. We'd still suggest giving the area a wide berth if possible...

9:05am on 24 Apr 2014

As the clean-up begins, the future of the 80-odd staff employed at the Bolwell factory that burnt down hangs under a cloud... scroll through to see how the drama unfolded

A reminder singer Lorde has postponed her Melbourne shows tonight and Saturday due to illness. She said in a statement: "It breaks my heart to have to postpone these shows as the band and I absolutely love playing to Australian crowds, and it was not a decision we made lightly. I know I need to focus on getting better in order to perform at my best. We'll be with you as soon as we can, Aussies." Refunds for her Melbourne shows are available on 136 100.

Lorde has postponed her tour due to illness.

8:58am on 24 Apr 2014

And it looks like the fire is well under control in Wells Road after that earlier drama (scroll through for photos), with community warnings now downgraded, courtesy 3AW's Yvette Gray.

VicRoads says southbound lanes on Wells Road are now OPEN between Springvale Road and Governor Road, but we expect the road to remain closed northbound for some time as firefighters continue to put out the factory blaze.

Wells Road, Mordialloc, is now partially open again.

8:46am on 24 Apr 2014

Updating the situation in Mordialloc and surrounding suburbs, firefighters have brought the blaze under control but are expecting to be there for some time. Two major arterial roads were closed and motorists are advised to seek alternate routes through the south-east. Residents have been alerted to stay indoors and avoid the toxic smoke, however it appears the worst of it is over. This photo shows the scene from earlier this morning, via the Aspendale Gardens Residents Association.

The fire in Wells Road, Mordialloc

8:42am on 24 Apr 2014

Expect heavy traffic INBOUND on Wellington Road in Rowville near Stud Road due to a breakdown...

8:39am on 24 Apr 2014

The MFB says they will be at the factory fire for a while as it's too dangerous to go inside to put our spot fires due to structural collapses. They appear to have downgraded their warning to nearby residents, saying there is currently no threat to the community, but advise anybody experiencing any unusual symptoms should call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.

Firefighters continue to work on the #Mordialloc factory fire externally due to structural collapses inside. We'll be on scene for some time

Police are warning motorists to avoid the area around the Mordialloc fire with Boundary Road closed at White Street and Governor Road and Wells Road closed at Beach Avenue and Springvale Road. They say the roads are likely to be closed for some time "and traffic will be significantly impacted".

People in #Mordialloc, Braeside, Aspendale, Aspendale Gardens, Waterways & Edithvale told to make sure doors, windows and vents are closed.

Making news around the world, the New York Times reports on the effects of climate change on flowering plants; the UK Guardian has a link between violence and lead poisoning; the Japan Times says Toyota sold 10 million vehicles in 2013; the Daily Mail has Lara Bingle; and Singapore's Straits Times says scientists have reversed Alzheimer's in mice.

Toyota sold 10 million vehicles last year, reports the Japan Times Photo: Paul Rovere

8:09am on 24 Apr 2014

We've just heard the wind has changed direction at the scene of the fire in Wells Road, Mordialloc, meaning smoke could now be pushed north and north-west. Please scroll through for more details and photos of the blaze...

More train drivers are being trained today as a result of the Springvale upgrade, which means expect some minor delays now on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines INBOUND.

8:05am on 24 Apr 2014

Our letter of the day comes from Ronald Burnstein of Beaumaris: What an excellent idea to commence discussion of ethical questions in grades 4 to 6 of Victorian schools. Could we make attending the course a mandatory prerequisite for all new candidates for political office? As to the present MPs, perhaps we could ask them also to take the course, but, to avoid them being disheartened by failure, maybe they could start at grade 3. MORE LETTERS

8:05am on 24 Apr 2014

The MFB says the fire in Wells Road is under control now but fire crews are still putting out hot spots and there is still lots of smoke in the air... (scroll through for more details)

And a warning now for users of Mordialloc pier and creekto be aware of potentially toxic runoff from the fire, which involved chemicals used in the making of fibreglass. Local resident Sarah, who lives next door to the factory, told radio station 3AW she had never seen anything like it. "It's everywhere, just the strongest smell ever."

8:02am on 24 Apr 2014

Traffic problems are rippling out from the factory fire in Mordialloc with the Mornington Peninsula Freeway now heavy going INBOUND onto Springvale Road...